“Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
A lot has been said and written about being successful and much of it makes the assumption that there is a universal definition of success. The first thing to do when thinking about success is to define what that word means to you. That definition may change over time or within given situations, but it is important to understand what spells success for you.
Whatever your definition, success requires the ability to recognize one’s mistakes and to learn from them. It also demands a willingness to fail. Failure signifies action and brings success closer, whereas never attempting ensures failure. Recognize risks, and realize that progress – and success – requires taking action even when there are risks.
Success is also about balance.
One can be tremendously successful in one aspect of life and not so in many other areas. When pursuing a specific goal often attention becomes focused almost entirely on that goal and the rest of life is neglected. That’s understandable . . . for there is sometimes conflict between succeeding and maintaining balance. Handling and influencing those conflicts is a key factor in success.
Know how to get along with people.
This too, is a key ingredient to success. Being able to listen to others and to really hear them, encouraging others and celebrating their successes builds trust and cooperation, something every robustly successful person exhibits.
Being successful requires working hard, so it is wise to do things that engage and challenge you. Take on things that you are ready and willing to devote vast amounts of time and effort to doing. And most importantly . . . actively pursue your dreams. For as Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”